Author Archives: russtowne

About russtowne

I'm awed by the beauty of nature and the power of love and gratitude. Some of my favorite sensory experiences include waves crashing on rocky shores, waterways in ancient redwood and fern-filled forests, and rain. My wife and I have been married since 1979. We have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. I manage a wealth management firm that I founded in 2003. My Beloved is a Special Education teacher for Kindergartners and First Graders. I'm a published author of approximately 60 books in a variety of genres for grownups and children.

Abyss

Posted on December 11, 2012 by russtowne

I know too well what it’s like To linger on the jagged edge Of a deep and dark abyss. I’ve felt its powerful pull And heard its siren song. “Give up! Give in! You can end your pain and shame. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Dealing with Pain & Grief, Poetry I Wrote | Tagged abyss, allure, cure, dark, darkest days, deep, distant memory, edge, endure, false friend, Friend, grateful, Hope, jagged, jagged edge, like, linger, lose, lost, powerful, pull, renew, smiled, strength | 13 Comments

Giggle With The Goats

Posted on December 11, 2012 by russtowne

For those who could use a smile and/or more of the holiday spirit… http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/b4_EdJ-XkUA?rel=0 Russ

Posted in Dogs & Other Wonderful Creatures, Humor | Tagged goats, holdiay, hop, smile, smiles | 1 Comment

“The One I Didn’t Shoot Down!”

Posted on December 11, 2012 by russtowne

The New York Post tells the remarkable story of World War II American bomber pilot Charlie Brown and German Luftwaffe ace Franz Stigler, who instead of shooting down Brown’s crippled plane, flew alongside it and saluted. The story comes from … Continue reading →

Posted in Honor, Stories That Touched Me | Tagged ace, “A Higher Call, ” Adam Makos, bomber, brothers, Charlie Brown, died obituaries, England, fighter, fighter pilots, Franz Stigler, German, honor, humanity, Knight’s Cross, Larry Alexander, Luftwaffe, men, New York Post, newsletter, obsessed, prisoner, special brothers, Sweden, terrified, Vancouver, World War II, wounded, WWII | 15 Comments

Posted on December 10, 2012 by russtowne

Most of you know that I love kids, dogs, and music and this post puts them all together in a delightful way. Russ Live & Learn 1 minute clip. I’m confident that this clip, paired with Queen’s “You’re My Best … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Clueless!

Posted on December 10, 2012 by russtowne

I occasionally re-post a story so that newer readers to this site have a chance to catch up a bit on some of the ways I’ve made a fool of myself over the years. The story below is one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Marriage, Relationship Lessons Learned, True Stories I've Written | Tagged beloved, clueless, honeymoon, killed, marriage, marriage certificate, wedding, wife | 12 Comments

Posted on December 10, 2012 by russtowne

I love the photo and the saying. Thank you, Gina. Often, however, what one stumbles over when in the abyss looks and feels like anything BUT treasure when it occurs. It can take many years for the person to realize … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Where Do Dreams Go To Die

Posted on December 10, 2012 by russtowne

Where do dreams go to die? It could be an awful terrible place. But don’t caterpillars turn into butterflies? And drops of water become snowflakes? Perhaps dreams are like that too When they’re crushed and all seems lost. Maybe they … Continue reading →

Posted in Dreams, Poetry I Wrote | Tagged butterflies, caterpillars, die, dies, dreams, drops, even better, lost, maybe, snowflakes, sought, water | 4 Comments

A Quiet Voice at the End of the Day

Posted on December 9, 2012 by russtowne

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.” –Mary Anne Radmacher This post is dedicated to all who are struggling, facing fear, have fallen flat on … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Breakthroughs, Challenges, Courage, Dealing with Pain & Grief, Fear, Patience & Persistence, Quotes I Love | Tagged beauty, believe, courage, critically important, facing fear, falling down, fear, hearts, Mary Anne Radmacher, others, share, share with the world, sharing, spirits, tomorrow, Try, try again, we | 9 Comments

Often an Ending Occurs to Create Space for Something Much Better

Posted on December 9, 2012 by russtowne

This post is dedicated to anyone who has lost a loved one or is going through other tough times. It is a short quote. It has been my experience that much great wisdom is often contained in but a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Acceptance, Dealing with Pain & Grief, Loss, Quotes I Love | Tagged butterly, caterpillar, dedicated, loss, lost, loved, proverb, thought, world | 6 Comments

People and Trash Making Beautiful Music Together

Posted on December 8, 2012 by russtowne

Someone is taking trash and making it into musical instruments that poor children are using to play beautiful music together. Another example where creative and caring people are creating solutions that are making the world a better place for everyone. … Continue reading →